The final changes to Bradford's radical schools plan - the biggest shake-up in its educational history - are unveiled today.

As predicted in the Telegraph & Argus, amendments include a reprieve for Shipley CE First School, a land swap deal involving St Luke's CE First and a new secondary school at the Thorn Garth site.

The final plan - drawn up after a fourth round of consultation with parents, teachers and governors - is expected to be rubber-stamped by councillors on September 8 and will go to the Education Secretary.

While the recommendations have disappointed some communities hoping to secure a different future for their school in the controversial shake-up, others are backing the proposals.

Councillor Suzanne Rooney, chairman of the review team, said the final report represented a new beginning for the district's schools and a fantastic opportunity to put Bradford back on the educational map.

She said: "At the end of it all, the district's schools will have the best facilities in the land. There's a real sense of a new beginning and new opportunity for the children.

"It is a massive leap of faith and I am aware that some communities will be disappointed with these changes. But I think we will look back in years to come and say 'I wish we'd changed the system 20 years ago - hasn't it been good for the kids!' "

The final blueprint contains 16 new amendments.

In Bradford, the future of St Luke's CE School, Ravenscliffe, appears to have been secured after the intervention of a local quarry firm.

Marshals, who run Pickards Quarry on Fagley Lane, have agreed in principle to swap their land next to the school with the Council - creating extra space needed to build new classrooms.

Head teacher Linda Gibson said: "We are thrilled with this proposal. It is what we hoped for all along. The school dates back to 1843 so it is wonderful news that we now have a chance to stay on site."

And there is good news for parents and teachers in Undercliffe. St Augustine's CE First School will relocate to a new site on Northampton Road and its initial place on land at Oxford Road will be taken by Undercliffe First School.

The move ensures both schools will be closer to their current sites. Jan Cawley, head teacher at St Augustine's, said: "It's great news for families living near our current site, who thought they would have to travel a great deal further."

In Shipley, Low Ash First School has won its battle with nearby Oakdale First School. Instead of closing it looks set to undergo a significant change of character and become a primary school on the same site.

Coun Rooney said: "I'm devastated for Oakdale but we couldn't keep both schools. It was one of the most difficult decisions of my life because both schools have delivered high standards of education. But Low Ash has just been refurbished and has plenty of space."

Low Ash governor Liz de Garis said: "We are absolutely delighted with the news and hope we can now work with Oakdale to try and make the transition as smooth as possible."

Commenting on the move to save Shipley CE First School and turn it into a primary, Shipley MP Chris Leslie said: "This is fantastic. A lot of behind the scenes work by parents, governors and teachers went into the campaign to save it."

But he said he was considering taking up the issue of siting a new secondary school at Thorn Garth - serving pupils from Woodend Middle and Eccleshill Upper - with schools minister Estelle Morris.

"I really think this issue should be looked into again. The Thorn Garth site doesn't look to me to serve the Shipley East community - which needs a good quality secondary school because it's had difficulties in terms of educational achievement."

Joan Foulds, chairman of the Greengates and Ravenscliffe Forum said: "Thorn Garth will be a tremendous boost for children in Ravenscliffe and Eccleshill. This is a chance for them to go into a new purpose-built school in a good location, with modern facilities and achieve to their full potential."

In Keighley, Holycroft First School will become a primary and stay at its current site.

And the new primary replacing Utley First will be built on the old ambulance training centre at Cartmel Road, despite efforts by the review team to find an alternative site.

Kay Lindley, head teacher at Utley First, said: "The parents wanted an alternative site, but many of our children live closer to Keighley town centre anyway and we will be moving to a brand new purpose-built school."

The full list of final proposals will be voted on by members of the education committee and full Council on September 8.

If approved they will be forwarded to the Department for Education and there will be an eight week period for people register their objections. David Blunkett is expected to make the final decision in December.

Full list of school changes

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